Hello again, and greetings from a very snowy Scotland, where driving has become an occupational hazard you endure to get to work.

For today’s Christmas post, I’m going to share with you three very different versions of of ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ -and none of them involving David Bowie and a worryingly ill looking Bing Crosby.

The first, rocky, version is by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, taken from her album I Love Rock’n’Roll. This was actually on the original version of the album (in the US) and later replaced by another track called ‘Oh Woe Is Me.’ Funny fact: I heard this for the very first time today (see, I said I was going to post some christmas stuff I hadn’t posted here before).

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts -‘Little Drummer Boy.’ mp3

Next up: the Dandy Warhols’ upbeat take on the song. Funnily enough the very first time I ever heard the Dandy Warhols doing anything was a version of this song, as played by John Peel in December 1994. This version comes from the compilation A Cool, Cool Christmas.

Dandy Warhols -‘Little Drummer Boy.’ mp3

Finally, Low’s take on this perennial favourite is slower than the other two (as you’d probably expect, if you’re familiar with all these acts). This is taken from their Christmas album, which is now over a decade old, and makes a regular appearance around 17 Seconds Towers at this time of year…

Low -‘Little Drummer Boy.’ mp3

Keep warm now, kids…